On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership, I would like to convey my warm greetings and best wishes to you and through you, to all Foreign Ministers as well as the people of ASEAN Member States.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all ASEAN Member States on the momentous occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN.

Excellency, the theme of the silver anniversary celebrations of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership, "Shared Values, Common Destiny", builds upon the civilisational and cultural ties that have bound India and ASEAN countries for two millenia. It is apt that the first event in 2017 to mark this milestone was the 2nd International Conference on ASEAN-India Cultural and Civilisational Links in Jakarta.

A large number of events spanning the political, economic, cultural and people-to-people domain will be held in the course of the year across India and ASEAN Member States to mark this historic milestone in our relationship. This will include a special Commemorative Summit and a Commemorative Foreign Ministers'Meeting in India. In addition, a Youth Summit, a Business Summit, CEOs Forum, Regional Indian Diaspora Meet, car rally, sailing expedition, conferences, public competitions and cultural festivals are also planned. With the support of our ASEAN partners, I am sure that we will make this commemoration a resounding success.

Excellency, the ASEAN India Plan of Action has served us well in cementing our partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity. By effectively implementing the present Plan of Action for 2016-2020, let us work towards qualitatively broadening and deepening our political-security, economic and socio-cultural engagement so as to realise the full potential of the ASEAN-India strategic partnership.

Let me take this opportunity to also assure you of our desire to continue to work closely with ASEAN in regional and international fora on issues of mutual interest and concern, especially as a 21st century economic and security architecture is taking shape in the Asia-Pacific.

Excellency, I greatly appreciate the constant support provided by the ASEAN Secretariat for strengthening the dialogue relationship between ASEAN and India over the past 25 years. I look forward to working with you and all my counterparts in ASEAN Member States to take our strategic partnership into higher orbit.